Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-02-10
THE AQUEDUCT BRIDGE.
Reasons why There should be a Draw
as stated I'm the Petition Of CitiZenss


The following is the petition Of citizens of the
District to the engineer in charge OF the Aqueduct
bridge plans, giving reasons why there should be
draw in the proposed new "Aqueduct" bridge,
which was approved by the chief of engineers:
All the considerations which induced Congress to
buy out the interest of the Alexandria canal in
the aqueduct trunk, and TO discontinue its use as
waterway, can be urged as cogent to the con-
struction OF draw in the bridge now proposed to
be Quilt on the site OF the Aquetluct bridge. Con-
gress had been frequently informed as to the
depth OF water above the structure and the nav1-
gable character Of the rver that at points in the
channel the depth reached from 10 to IS feet and
that the largest class Of vessels navigating the
Potomac river could go to the head Of t1de-water,
three miles above the aqueduct, II it were acces-
sibe; tha1 Congress had recognized that such was
the need Of the situation by appropriations the
removal thence OF few dangerous rocks; and that
In early times and before the erection OF the aque-
duct, vessels loaded with cannon, &C.. from
MasonS foundry, and also loaded for Chesapeake
bay, almost at the site OF the present Chain
bridge three miles above the AQueduct. Exact
Information hal been communicated to that body
early as 1872 by the report OF the harbOr COM
mission that the District side OF the river there
for wharfng purposes for the largest vessels, and
back OF which lay, and separated from the river
Georgetown level OF the Chesapeake and Ohio
canal 81 feet above the river, supplied with water
Little Falls Of the Potomac, to be used for water
power. That the wharfage space below the bridge
was liInited and incapable OF exte son because OF
the Potomac flats improvement, which only con-
templated that the river shore at that point should
be part OF public park. That relief was needed,
for the reason that coal shipments were necessa-
r1ly carried on in immediate juXtapostiOn with
Touring mills, and much to the detnment OF the
latter Industry; and that no proper space was
afforded for quick dispatch in the matter OF ship
ping coal, the cOaSt1ng vessels being sometimes
four or more deep at the coaling stations, and
others at anchor in the stream awaiting berth.
Such were the facts, accepted as such by Con-
gress, and upon which is based its action In re-
moving this aqueduct trunk, which for nearly
nifty years had stopped the navigation OF the river
above. Had the intent OF Congress been to secure
only free bridge and to secure crossing in utter
disregard OF the rights OF the shipping interest
much money could have been saved and bridge
erected over and in connection with the trunk
anu that part OF the waterway OF the Alexandria
canal preserved. The act OF 2:3d February, 1881,
providing for the purchase OF the Aqueduct bridge
or the erection OF an alternative bridge, in express
terms called Tor draw, and thus recognized that
an obstruction existed TO navigation, and not only
that but that an immediate remedy was needed
which relief it granted. And, again, Senate bill
14.1, passed in Senate May 6, 1854, and Senate
bill 200, passed in Senate January rs, 1885, all
contain clauses providing for a draw. Such pro-
vision was 1t is true, omitted from the act OF 21St
June, 1886, although i'll the bill as 1t passed the
Senate; but it was thought by Senator Riddle
berger, the promoter OF the measure inasmuch as
work. that that single object be then pressed, and
when the bridge was secured, partly by purchase
and partly by condemnation, the same cOnsidera-
tons which caused Congress to provide tor draw
in 1881, &c could be urged in 1887, without in
volving the then ISSUE In which Alexandria was
the sole opponent. 1t should not be forgotten that
the Official charts OF the coast survey show that
the Potomac river is navigabe nearly to the Little
Falls several miles above this bridge, and the
phasfze the same facts. Section $3.50, Revised
Statutes carries the collection district OF George
town ito the head OF navigable waters" OF the
Potomac river, Georgetown being its sport OF
entry" That alone should guarantee its use over
its entire course.
But again, the secretary of War is, by section
act nf IlIlv SfafS
14S), charged with the special duty of taking
that no obstruction should be maintained over the
navlga6le waters OF the United States; and the
files Of Congress will show that each year the
camOr Is great either for general legislation upon
this subject or for special provisions OF relief each
year In the river and harbOr bills. While so much
cost is being incurred in removing distractions
beneath the water, certainly no objection can be
urged as to the removal OF hndranceS TO navigation
Which exist above the surface. 1t should not be
assumed that no necessity will arise Tor access to
the wharfage front above the site OF the bridge
That front mas not been used for the reason that
barrier for nearly fifty years has existed in the
way or Its approach which has made it incapable
OF use; but IL may well be expected that the in
creaslng needs OF this District, rapidly aSSum-
ing It's proper proportions the capital OF this
nation, Will at an early day demand its improve
ment II free access to it is allowed. The develop
uent OF grand Water-pOWer has been and Is still
being retarded by not being able to get access TO
the navigable river above. There are also four
quarries, which would be greatly benefited II ac-
cess 10 them could be had. The government is
frequently advertising for stone to be delivered at
different points, and these quarrieS could enter
into competition II they could get masted vessel
above The bridge TO load, instead OF transferring
below the bridge from hat-bOatS. These QuarTieS
were unable (wthin the past two years. to bid for
large contract advertised for by Colonel Craig
hill on account OF not being able to load vessels
direct from the quarries. II vessels could be got
ten above the bridge, coal wharves would at once
be built for the tranSshpment or coal and many
manufacturing interests be developed as the
Water-pOwer above Is among the very few to which
| the Oa-gOng craft could approach.
The objection urged that travel over the bridge
Will be h1ndered If a draw is allowed is scarcely
worth consideration, and as navigation is the prf-
mary object to be provided for ali other interests
should be secondary in Importance. In practice
1t will be seen, however, that the Long bridge with
its two draws does not seem to discourage Invest
ment at It's Virginia end and that that secIion is
being rapidly acquired and large Industries being
ly expected that this appeal, that a draw be now
provided, may be granted, lChenl delay aUiu be
inUOtred the UOrk, which all agree should be
pushed to completion with all due dispatch, when
the additional expense is so small and can be done
now SO much more readily and at smaller cost
than hereafter, and without delay.
(Signed)-H. II. Dodge, Mayhem Platter Robert E
Frey, NJ. w. Gait, Bro & Co., Jno A. Baker GEO.
W.COchran Co., Anthony Hyde, James g. Ber-
ret, w. w. COrcOran, B. p. Snyder j. w. ThOmp.
son, j. G. Mcclure, Z. Francis Riggs, Nathaniel
Wilson, NJ. j. Adler, F. L. Moore, H. NJ. Sweeny W.
Laird, lr., c. II. Matthews, Austin Herr, Harris
Ii. b. White, Samuel w. Curriden, Chas. c. Glover,
ThOs. Hyde, j. L. Mcfarland.
RSHpSov, EAreoSt. WIs.